Birds add color, movement, and sound to Bandelier National Monument. Steller's Jays, Canyon Towhees, and Mountain Chickadees stay year round. Turkey Vultures, Western Tanagers, and Black-headed Grosbeaks are "summer only" residents. Sandhill Cranes rarely land in the park, but make their presence known each fall and spring as they migrate overhead.

Did You Know? If you are looking for a specific bird, it is important to know the habitat it likes. Some birds are common only in the park's lush riparian areas while others prefer the drier mesa tops.

Demographics

Bandelier National Monument is located about 40 minutes from Española, New Mexico. Over 84% of Española residents are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Some people trace their roots to Spanish settlement in the area centuries ago, while other residents are more recent arrivals from Latin America.

The National Park Service Park Flight Migratory Bird Program, Environment for the Americas, and Bandelier National Monument are working together to increase awareness of the Monument among Española's Hispanic and Latino residents and participation in the annual Fall Nature Festival held in the Monument. In just two years, our efforts have increased Hispanic/Latino participation from 4.8% in 2009 to over 31% in 2010. Our work in the Monument will continue in 2011.

2010 NPS Park Flight Migratory Bird Program Interns

The dynamic team of Laila Yunes Jiménez of Mexico (right) and Andrés Felipe Peña Monroy of Colombia worked with businesses and teachers in Española to improve awareness of Bandelier National Monument. They offered public programs, met with business leaders, and conducted outreach not only in Española, but also in Santa Fe and other New Mexico towns. Because of their energy and enthusiasm for the project, the Monument has new means of connecting with Hispanic/Latino communities.

2009 NPS Park Flight Migratory Bird Program Interns

Interns Angélica Hernandez from Colombia (left) and Rafael Paredes (right) from Mexico visited schools, recreation centers, businesses, and many other locations in the towns near Bandelier National Monument to conduct face-to-face surveys with Hispanic/Latino residents. The results of these surveys were used to implement outreach to communities in 2010.